25 live performances will take place in nine locations across the District
17 June 2024: Linen Quarter BID is set to host a musical extravaganza this Make Music Day June 21. The celebration – in partnership with Making Music NI – will see 25 free live performances take place in nine locations across the District including Bedford street, Linen Hall Street Parklet, Bankmore Square, Panama Café & City Garden and the Gasworks.
Considered one of the largest Make Music Day events to ever take place in the city, it will see Belfast join over 1,000 cities worldwide with performances from 8:00am-9:00pm.
Acts include Belfast Music Collective Blackjack + Jai Sian, the latter of which represented Belfast on The Voice UK. A roaming performance by Boom Struss Brass Band and Quire, NI’s LGBTQ+ Choir who will perform with more than 20 singers at the Gasworks. Classical and musical theatre performances as well as traditional Irish and Ulster Scots performances will also be delivered by solo harpist’s Grainne Meyer and Rebecca Hall, Fortwilliam Music Society and teenage bagpiper Henry Spencer.
Stephen Maginn, Communications and Events Manager at LQ BID said, “Home to some of Northern Ireland’s most iconic venues – music is ingrained into the identity of the Linen Quarter and Make Music Day not only highlights our dedication to nurturing its cultural landscape but also showcases the extraordinary talent within our city and solidifies our reputation as a UNESCO City of Music.
“At LQ BID, we’re committed to enhancing the district’s appeal and improving the area for businesses, residents, and visitors which includes our year-round events programme. We’re excited to partner with Making Music NI to host one of the largest Make Music Day celebrations Northern Ireland has ever seen. With music filling the air, daytime workers will hopefully experience liveliness and added vibrancy on their way to work, making their day brighter and more enjoyable. We invite the public to come along and enjoy this musical extravaganza in some of Linen Quarter’s most iconic outdoor spaces.”
Making Music is the UK’s membership organisation for leisure-time music, dedicated to empowering everyone – whatever their background or experience – to come together in their community to make or present music.
Stephen McNally at Making Music NI said, “Partnering with Linen Quarter BID has been key to making International Make Music Day a reality in Belfast and the district’s serves as the perfect backdrop for this celebration. The event will provide a positive experience for all participants, which includes a mix of experienced and up and coming artists, and highlight the value of the arts industry in making our town and city centres more vibrant, enjoyable and a better place to spend time. We can’t wait to see the Linen Quarter come alive with music and look forward to the many performances that will showcase what our home-grown talent has to offer.”
Kelly-Anne McKitrick, Building Manager at The Ewart, remarked, “We are delighted to host performers outside our offices at Bedford Square as part of Linen Quarter BID’s Make Music Day. Events like these not only make office work more appealing by offering individuals and teams a chance to step outside and experience the vibrancy of our district – but they also positively impact the city centre economy and help employers attract and retain top talent by enhancing the overall office-working experience.”
In 2021 Belfast was officially recognised as a UNESCO City of Music – due to its rich musical heritage – following a bid by Belfast City Council.
Make Music Day performances will take place across the Linen Quarter from, 8:00am-10:00am, 12:00-2:00pm, 4:00pm–6:00pm. The evening will wrap up with three final performances taking place 6:00pm-9.00pm at Pug Uglys Parklet and Bankmore Square.
To find out more about Make Music Day visit https://linenquarter.org/event/make-music-day-2024